(1) The course shall be designed to assure that
students have defined learning objectives. If the nature of the subject matter
is such that the learning objectives cannot be reasonably accomplished without
some direct interaction between the instructor and students, then the course
shall be designed to provide for such interaction.

(2) A course that does not provide the opportunity for
continuous audio and visual communication between instructor and all students
during the course presentation shall utilize testing processes that assure
student mastery of the subject material.

(3) A course that involves students completing the
course on a self-paced study basis shall be designed so that the time required
for a student of average ability to complete the course will be not less than
six hours for salespersons and four hours for set-up contractors. The sponsor
shall utilize a system that assures that students have actually performed all
tasks required for completion and mastery of the subject material.

(4) The sponsor shall provide technical support to
enable students to satisfactorily complete the course.

(5) The approved course instructor(s) shall be
available to respond in a timely manner to student questions about the subject
matter of the course. Instructors shall have training in the proper use of the
instructional delivery method utilized in the course, including the use of
computer hardware and software or other applicable equipment and systems.

(6) The sponsor shall provide students an orientation
or information package containing all pertinent information regarding
requirements unique to completing a distance education course, including any
requirements with regard to computer hardware and software or other equipment,
and outlining in detail the instructor and technical support that will be
available when taking the course.

(7) The sponsor shall utilize procedures that provide
reasonable assurance that the student receiving continuing education credit for
completing the course actually performed, on his or her own, all the work
required to complete the course. For courses that involve independent study by
students, certification that the student personally completed all required
course work shall be provided by the student to the sponsor, either by a signed
statement (on a form provided by the sponsor) or, in the case of Internet or
computer based courses, by electronic means that are indicated in the software
or on the website. Signed course completion statements or records of
electronic certification shall be retained by the sponsor together with any
other course records required by this Section.

(8) In addition to the information required in 11 NCAC
08 .1405, sponsors seeking approval of distance education courses must submit
to the Board a complete copy of the course in the medium that is to be
utilized, including all computer software that will be used in presenting the
course and administering tests. If the course is to be Internet based, the
Board must be provided access to the course via the Internet and shall not be
charged a fee for such access.

(9) All reporting of completed distance education
courses shall be in full accordance with 11 NCAC 08 .1426. Students shall not
be reported for continuing education credit for distance education courses until
the signed form from the student or electronic certification, as described in
Item (7) of this Rule, has been received.